A change in date for the start of school likely came as welcome news for some students but not for teachers and administrators hoping to improve the Los Angeles Unified School District's test scores.
Tuesday after labor day normally marks beginning of school for thousands of students but budget cuts and furloughs have forced the LAUSD push back the date to September 13.
The nation's second largest school district is facing a looming $640 million dollar shortfall. In an effect to cut costs, unions representing teachers agreed to take five unpaid furlough days this year, and seven unpaid days off next year. The move is estimated to save nearly $180 million.
Despite the tough economic conditions, in August the LAUSD actually showed improvement in student standardized scores.
"Through it all, and under the most extraordinary circumstances, teachers and students prevailed," said LAUSD Superintendent Ramon Cortines following the release of the results. "At the elementary level, the strong foundation we built in previous years continues. More students are scoring at the advanced level, both in English language arts and in mathematics."
Not all students are celebrating their extended vacations. Charter school students and select high schools with extended year schedules have already started the school year.
